Heavy Snow and Wind: Midwest and Northeast Brace for Impact

A significant winter storm is on its way, affecting millions across the Midwest and Northeast. This storm is bringing a mix of snow, strong winds, and rain, causing travel disruptions and hazardous conditions. The storm is expected to hit the Midwest first, with heavy snow and strong winds. Areas like Grand Forks, Fargo, and Rochester are under Blizzard Warnings, with snowfall ranging from 3 to 8 inches and wind gusts up to 45 mph. This means whiteout conditions and near-zero visibility, making travel extremely dangerous. Michigan's Upper Peninsula is also in for a rough time, with snowfall between 9 inches and 2 feet and wind gusts up to 60 mph. Cities like Minneapolis, Green Bay, and Sault Ste. Marie are under Winter Storm Warnings due to heavy snow and gusty winds. In the Northeast, places like Scranton, Burlington, and Portland are under Winter Weather Advisories for freezing rain. Buffalo and Jamestown are also on alert for potential flooding due to heavy rainfall.The storm is expected to move into the Midwest on Sunday afternoon, with snow already falling in places like Sioux Falls and Fargo. By Sunday evening, heavy snow and gusty winds will hit Minneapolis and Marquette, reducing visibility on major highways like I-45 and I-90. The Northeast will see a mix of wintry weather, with freezing rain turning to rain as warmer air moves in. Most of the snow and ice will be in higher elevations, with parts of northern New England possibly seeing up to a quarter of an inch of ice. By Monday night, the storm will have mostly cleared, but lake-effect snow is expected to follow, continuing into Tuesday and possibly Wednesday. The heaviest snow totals are forecast in the Midwest, with Minneapolis and Green Bay expecting 5 to 8 inches of snow. Marquette and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan could see between 1 to 2 feet of snow, with wind gusts up to 60 mph.